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The entrance of thy words giveth light;
it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119:130
In Preparation
The following Bible study was prepared to explain the plan of salvation in a simple, one-lesson condensed form with a teacher to guide discussion, or by self-study. If desired, it can be divided into two parts by taking a short break between each of two 30-minute sessions. A recommended place for a break is after the section “Into The Gospels.”
Each participating student should have a copy of the study along with
a Bible (preferably the King James Version) and a pen or pencil. As each scripture is read, the student is asked to become involved, sometimes
by completing a “fill-in-the-blank” or responding to a question.Additional comments and supplementary scripture references (designated throughout the text by small numerals in parenthesis) are provided on page 14 for further in-depth study at a later time.
May we also suggest that all participants take a moment to ask the Lord’s help in understanding his Word, as King David once did when he prayed, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” May God bless you as we travel together “into His marvelous light.”
“Ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” — 1 Peter 2:9
Introduction
When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the Scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy “walking in the light.”
This Bible study is designed to allow us to “walk” in the marvelous light of the Word of God.We will be journeying into the Scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to “rightly divide the word of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:
1. THE GOSPELS
Covering the words and works of Jesus Christ
2. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles
3. THE EPISTLES
Covering the letters written by the Apostles to the churches they started in the Book of Acts
We believe the Scriptures are divinely inspired and “of no private interpretation”
2 Peter 1:20,21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to it or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5,6). It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination.We simply desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.
Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15,16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God…
2 Timothy 3:15,16
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
THE GOSPELS
John 1:1-5,14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth
The _____________, which was in the beginning, and was God, became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.
John 1:11-13
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of _____________ by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews…
John 3:1-8
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter the kingdom of God must be born again of _____________ and the ______________.
John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Jesus also told Nicodemus that whosoever ____________ in Him shall have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation, one is being born again, the other is believing.Yet, this is not a contradiction.The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit.
John 7:38,39
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Here we discover that if we believe on Him we will receive his ______________. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results in a scriptural experience. Faith motivates us to obey and obedience brings God’s acceptance and blessing.
John 12:35,36 & 42,43
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Today , just as in Jesus’ day, many believe on Him. But, they will not _______________ Him for fear of what others will do or say.
John 12:44-48(1)
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His ____________ will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should believe and obey it…no matter what others say or do!
John 17:17-20(2)
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is _____________. He also prayed for us; and all those who would believe on Him through the Apostles’ word.
To find out what the Apostles’ message was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim.The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49(3) is just after the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection, and just before His ascension into heaven.
Luke 24:45-49(3)
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them,Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
Questions:
Did the Apostles preach the message Jesus commanded them to proclaim?
How was the promise of the Father fulfilled?
Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem…
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Acts 1:3-5
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the _______________ ________________.
Acts 2:1-17
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
When the Apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other _____________ as the Spirit gave them utterance, (the inspiration
to speak).The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked,“What meaneth this?”Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original apostolic plan of salvation.
Acts 2:36-39
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
When the people who heard Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior,they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the Apostles what they should do.Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49.In light of this,con-sider the three elements of the plan of salvation Peter preached in verse 38:
1. Repentance
2. Remission of sins through baptism in Jesus’ name
3. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
Now,let’s look at other examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts…
Philip preaching to the samaritans in Acts 8…
Some people say when they experienced joy, or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost, but what does the Word say?
Acts 8:5-8
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:12
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:14-17(5)
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost
Did they have great Joy? yes ___ no ___
Did they believe in Jesus Christ? yes ___ no ___
Were they baptized in His name? yes ___ no ___
Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and
distinct experience? yes ___ no ___
Peter preaching to the Gentiles in Acts 10…
Some people say being religious is enough, or that Spirit baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the Day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But if the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not true…then it is not.
Acts 10:1,2
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Was Cornelius a religious man? yes ___ no ___
Acts 10:5,6(6)
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do
Did God have more for him to do? yes ___ no ___
Acts 10:44-46a
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts 10: 46(b) 47,48
46(b) Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Did they receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues after the day of Pentecost? yes ___ no ___
Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus’ name? yes ___ no ___
Paul preaching to John’s disciples in Acts 19… Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also,some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or rebaptized.(If you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized.If the Bible indicates it does not matter,then it does not matter.But what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?
Acts 19:1,2
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:3-5(7)
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:6
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
They were believers, but had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost? yes ___ no ___
Did those baptized by John the Baptist have to be re-baptized in Jesus’ name? yes ___ no ___
Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues? yes ___ no ___
Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they proclaimed in the Book of Acts.We can do this by reading the Epistles (letters) they wrote to the converts.
THE EPISTLES
As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation.This is not because they were being judgmental. It is because they knew the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all men.
What Did Peter Say?
“Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth…being born again… by the word of God…and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:22-25).
Obedience to God’s Word purifies our souls!
Peter Asked…
“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17,18).
Paul Answered…
“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
It is eternally important to obey the gospel!
What Did Paul Say?
“But there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ, but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:7-9)
There is only one gospel!
What Did James Say?
“Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:21-24).
The Word is able to save our souls
James tells us that if we see something we need to do as we look into the “mirror of the word,” we should do it. Let us now consider what we will do with what we have heard…
Conclusion
DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and will judge us?
DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?
DO YOU BELIEVE water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?
DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues,just as they did in the Bible?
If you believe these things, pray right now, asking God to allow you to experience all that He has for you!
Supplemental Scriptures
(1) Matthew 7:13-24
God’s warning regarding false prophets,and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.
(2) Matthew 16:15-19
Peter was given the “keys of the kingdom”because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.
(3) Other “Great Commission” Scriptures
In Matthew 28:18-20 the word “name”is singular in this command to baptize.The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus,and did not use the titles mentioned here.(See Acts 4:12).Mark 16:15-18 stresses the importance of water baptism and describes the signs that will follow believers.
(4) Matthew 16:15-19
Peter,who was given the “keys of the kingdom,”uses them to open the “kingdom door”by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.
(5) Acts 8:35-39
Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Ethiopian official because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for “baptize”is bapto which literally means
“to cover wholly with fluid,to dip.”(See also Romans 6:3,4.)
(6) Acts 10:34-43
Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death,burial and resurrection.
(7) 1 Peter 3:20,21
According to Peter,baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.
We encourage you to read through the Gospels, Acts and Epistles in detail…and continue to walk “into His marvelous light!”
An IHML Publication Galen Walters, publisher
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